St. Marcella– The Glory of the Ladies
(325–410) She was a Christian ascetic in ancient Rome. Growing up in
Rome, she was influenced by her pious mother, Albina, an educated woman
of wealth and benevolence. Childhood memories centered around piety,
and one in particular related to Athanasius, who lodged in her home
during one of his many exiles. He may have taken special interest in
her, thinking back to his own youthful practice of playing church.
Athanasius interacted with his hosts on theological matters and
recounted anecdotes of his own monastic life. His most spellbinding
stories, however, were the miraculous tales of the desert monks. As a
parting gift he left behind the first copy of his biography,
The Life of St. Anthony.
